Layiha (Memorandum, Reşid Efendi)

From all the series of these memoranda (Layihalar), asked by Selim III, an abridged treatise was compiled, containing the parts of the individual memoranda which pertain to army reform, brought together under thematic categories (army, military stipends, auxiliary forces and artillery, cavalry). The abridged treatise published by Karal is preserved in two copies:

Millet Ktp., Ali Emiri Tarih 71

Topkapı Sarayı Kütüphanesi MS Yeni Gelenler 4050

The original reports are found in Topkapı Sarayı Arşivi, envelope E447.

Mustafa Reşid Efendi (kethüda of the Grand Vizier) first notes that the restoration of the old rules should take into account the needs of the age (kavaid-i atîkanın iadesi mizac-ı asra tatbik olunması); then, using historical examples, he shows how unanimity and solidarity (ittifakü’l-kelim, asabiyet) secure the rule of the ruling class (administrators and soldiers) over the ten-fold population of their subjects. Sultan Orhan tried to recruit salaried soldiers from Anatolia, but could not impose discipline over them, and thus created the janissaries which fulfilled these precepts; however, it is evident that this advantage has been lost for one hundred fifty years now. What Reşid Efendi proposes is the recruitment of fifteen-years old children and their training in isolated barracks; to achieve this, an experienced officer must be sent to Europe and report on the Western ways of conscription and training (Kb104-106, Kc344 on stipends).